Location

Online & Distance Learning

From managing fires and maximizing water resources to preparing executives for business management, the University of Idaho College of Graduate Studies continues to address state, regional and national education needs.

One important way of fulfilling our mission is through off-campus and online instruction.

While "brick and mortar" institutions will never be eliminated, it's easy to see why a growing number of people are attending class off campus or in the cyberworld. Factors such as accessibility and flexibility contribute to the attractiveness of these relatively new modes of learning.

Off-campus opportunities

Graduate programs in education disciplines are available at University of Idaho's Coeur d’Alene and Boise centers; graduate programs in engineering and natural resources are available at University of Idaho's Boise center; and graduate programs in engineering disciplines and several physical science disciplines are available at the university's Idaho Falls center.

Online opportunities

Several colleges offer online classes through the Engineering Outreach Program. On-campus course sessions are digitally captured and provided online within hours, using state-of-the-art technology. Hundreds of students take courses delivered each semester by Engineering Outreach, in such diverse subjects as engineering, math, business, engineering management, psychology, statistics and water resources.

Students can earn master’s degrees and certificates, or take courses for personal and professional development. Engineering Outreach has been providing courses at a distance for over 35 years, and continues to be one of the most extensive, innovative and affordable programs of its type in the country.

The College of Education is using software called Elluminate. The software program provides a real-time virtual classroom environment designed for distance education that extends the physical boundaries of the traditional classroom by adding live discussion and interaction among students and instructors. The results: engaged students, enhanced learning and improved comprehension. All of the M.Ed. options in Education can be completed entirely online.

Off-campus study need not entail a sacrifice in academic quality. You can still study the same courses with the same lecturers as students who study on campus and online. But the benefits of off-campus study are substantial:

The ability to study from your own home and at times that best suit you — after work, on weekends or while the children are at school.

You don't have to spend time traveling to the university or sitting in lectures.

You can earn money by working while you study part-time.

You can change from off-campus to on-campus or online study (if your course is offered in this mode).

You can access a valuable local network of personal support services to help you succeed.

Benefits of Online Distance Learning

You can "attend" a course at any time, from anywhere.

Course material is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Students can find a diversity of course material that may not be available to them where they live or work.

For some people, learning online can be less intimidating than in a classroom.

Students can talk openly with their teachers without having to wait for designated office hours.

Online classrooms can facilitate team learning by providing chat rooms and newsgroups.